2011 Selbach Saar Riesling Spätlese - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (3/24/2013)The more time goes by the more this wine sheds a layer of fat, and shows some underlying structure and tightens up on the finish. Lots of lime and leafy elements dominarte on the nose and palate, emphasizing that this is a Saar wine. It's rich, but balanced, and quietly drinkable. Before you know it the glass is empty. Great value for about $15. (88 pts.)

There behind the glass lies a real blade of grass. Be careful as you pass. Move along. Move along.

Do you usually open a Spatlese at this young age? If so, is it just for assessment purposes or do you like drinking them that young?

I have some 2007 and 2006 Spatlese I haven't even thought of broaching yet, although it is probably time to assess a bottle. Just curious as I know many people drink German wines with little or no aging.

BTW, you'd appreciate this - was rustling through the cellar last weekend and found a bottle of 1976 Beerenauslese I'd forgotten I had! Now to find a time to open it!

Guess I could open it when Jenise beats me at bocce, but I fear it might go over the hill before that happens....

David M. Bueker wrote: generally open spätlese very young or after 10+ years. This particular wine is also very inexpensive, so I am planning to open most (but not all) of them young.

That's my usual strategy as well. I'm pretty much ignoring 2005s and 2006s these days, and I think most 2008s and 2009s seem to have shut down a bit. 2007s I've actually had some that seem fairly open.